What Is Mastodynia?

What Is Mastodynia?

What Is Mastodynia Disease?
It is defined as pain and tenderness felt in the breast area of women, especially during certain times of the menstrual cycle. This condition is usually associated with hormonal changes and most women are affected by mastodynia at least once in their lives.

Mastodynia is commonly seen in the premenstrual period (PMS - Premenstrual Syndrome). However, sometimes it may also be a sign of other health problems.

Mastodininedir_1984d943_6929b474.webp

Types of Mastodynia

Mastodynia can be divided into two main types:

1.Cyclical Mastodynia: This condition occurs during a specific period of the menstrual cycle. Sensitivity and pain are usually seen in the premenstrual period. This type of mastodynia is mostly related to hormonal fluctuations and subsides with the menstrual cycle.

2.Non-cyclical Mastodynia: This is breast pain that is not related to the menstrual cycle, lasting longer or occurring irregularly. Non-cyclical mastodynia may arise due to other health issues (such as breast cysts, infections, or growths in breast tissue).

Symptoms of Mastodynia

Mastodynia manifests with symptoms such as pain, tenderness, and swelling in the breasts. These symptoms are generally seen as part of the menstrual cycle.

They begin a few days before the menstrual period starts. The pain usually decreases with the end of the menstrual period. However, for some women, the pain may last longer and even continue outside the menstrual period.

Mastodynia typically presents with the following symptoms:

  1. Breast Tenderness: Discomfort or sensitivity is felt in the breast tissue. Pain may increase when touching or squeezing the breast tissue.
  2. Pain: Pain may be felt in the breast area, especially in the upper part and outer edges. In some women, the pain is mild, while in others it can cause severe pain.
  3. Swelling and Fullness Sensation: Swelling and fullness in the breast tissue may increase before the menstrual period. The nipple may also become sensitive.
  4. Timing: Mastodynia usually starts a few days before the menstrual period and resolves after menstruation begins. However, in some women, this condition can occur outside the cycle as well.

Why Does Mastodynia Occur?

Mastodynia is generally caused by hormonal changes. As part of the menstrual cycle, women's bodies produce hormones such as estrogen and progesterone.

These hormones can cause fluid retention and swelling in the breasts. This can lead to pain and tenderness in the breasts. Mastodynia can also be caused by external factors such as birth control pills, hormone therapy, and certain medications.

The most common cause of mastodynia is hormonal changes. During the menstrual cycle, estrogen and progesterone hormones cause changes in breast tissue. These changes can cause pain and tenderness. Other possible causes include:

  • Menstrual Cycle and Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Estrogen and progesterone levels change 1-2 weeks before the menstrual cycle. This change can cause sensitivity in the breast tissue.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormone therapies can cause hormonal imbalances. This can lead to mastodynia.
  • Breast Pseudocysts and Fibrocystic Breast Changes: Fat accumulates in breast tissue. This can create small cysts or fibroadenomas. This can cause tenderness and pain.
  • Medications: Birth control pills or some therapeutic drugs can trigger mastodynia by causing changes in hormone levels.
  • Excessive Caffeine Consumption: Excessive caffeine intake can increase breast tenderness.

Mastodynia Treatment and Management

Mastodynia is generally harmless and does not require treatment. However, some treatments are available for women who experience pain and discomfort.

First, you can consult your doctor and take an appropriate painkiller to relieve the pain. Applying cold compresses to the breasts can also reduce pain. Additionally, wearing a supportive bra may help alleviate the pain.

Although mastodynia is usually not a serious health problem, some treatment methods are available to relieve the pain:

  • Painkillers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or acetaminophen can help reduce breast pain.
  • Wearing a Tight Bra: Wearing a tight and supportive bra can help reduce sensitivity in the breast tissue.
  • Warm or Cold Compresses: Applying a hot water bag or cold compress to the breast area can ease pain.
  • Hormone Therapy: If mastodynia is caused by hormonal imbalances, the doctor may recommend hormone therapy.
  • Reducing Caffeine and Salt Intake: Excessive caffeine and salt consumption can increase pain. Therefore, limiting these substances may be beneficial.
  • Natural Methods: Omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin E, and some herbal treatments can alleviate mastodynia symptoms. For example, evening primrose oil is one of these treatments.

Ways to Cope with Mastodynia

How to get rid of mastodynia? You can take some measures to cope with mastodynia. First, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is important. A balanced diet, exercise, and avoiding stress can help reduce mastodynia symptoms.

Also, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption can reduce pain. Additionally, if you are using birth control pills or hormone therapy, you can consult your doctor to try an alternative treatment method

Concerns About Mastodynia

What are the dangers of mastodynia? Mastodynia is generally harmless, but in some cases, it can be a sign of a serious medical condition. If you have symptoms other than pain and tenderness in your breasts, you should consult your doctor.

Especially, if you notice hardness, lumps, or changes in your breasts, you should see your doctor immediately. These symptoms may indicate a serious condition such as breast cancer.

Mastodynia is a common problem experienced by almost all women at some point in their lives. However, if you notice changes in your symptoms or have concerns, you can get more information by consulting your doctor. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and regularly consulting your doctor can help cope with mastodynia.

N64.4 What is Mastodynia?

Mastodynia is a term used to describe pain and tenderness felt in the breast tissue. This condition, which mostly develops in women depending on the menstrual cycle, is caused by hormonal changes. Mastodynia generally causes breast tenderness and pain, but some women may also experience swelling or a feeling of fullness.

Causes of Mastodynia:

  • Menstrual Cycle: One of the most common causes is hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle. Especially fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone hormones can create sensitivity in the breast tissue.
  • Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Associated with a series of hormonal changes in the body before menstruation. During this period, an increase in breast pain and tenderness is common.
  • Hormonal Imbalances: Birth control pills, hormone therapies, or hormonal disorders can cause mastodynia.
  • Fibrocystic Breast Changes: Cysts or fibroadenomas in the breast tissue can lead to pain and tenderness.
  • Stress and Lifestyle: Excessive stress, high caffeine consumption, or unhealthy lifestyle factors can also trigger mastodynia.

Symptoms of Mastodynia:

  • Pain, tenderness, or swelling in the breast area
  • Increased pain before menstruation
  • Tenderness in the nipple

Treatment and Management:

  • Pain relievers: Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can alleviate pain related to mastodynia.
  • Supportive bra: Can reduce sensitivity in breast tissue.
  • Warm or cold compress: Can relieve pain.
  • Reducing caffeine intake: Limiting caffeine consumption may lessen pain.

Mastodynia is generally a temporary condition that does not require treatment. However, in cases of severe pain or persistent symptoms, consulting a specialist is important.

Mastodynia in Pregnancy

During pregnancy, many women may experience breast tenderness and pain due to hormonal changes. This condition is called mastodynia in pregnancy and is mostly normal. The pain that begins in early pregnancy arises from changes in breast tissue. Generally, this condition is associated with hormonal changes.

gebeliktemastodini_d3587fbe_3207f8c6.webp
Symptoms of Mastodynia in Pregnancy

Mastodynia in pregnancy usually presents with the following symptoms:

  • Breast pain and tenderness: Increased sensitivity in the nipple and breast tissue, pain may be felt when touched.
  • Swelling and fullness: Common swelling, a feeling of fullness, and enlargement in the breast tissue.
  • Nipple sensitivity: Especially the nipples become more sensitive, and some women may feel pain in these areas.
  • Pain is usually seen in both breast areas: Mastodynia in pregnancy can cause pain and tenderness in both breasts.
When Does Mastodynia Begin in Pregnancy?

Mastodynia in pregnancy usually begins in the first trimester (the first 12 weeks). During this period, hormonal changes occur rapidly and changes in breast tissue start. This pain often decreases in the later weeks of pregnancy, but some women may feel mild pain until the end of pregnancy.

How to Relieve Mastodynia During Pregnancy?

Although mastodynia in pregnancy is usually not a serious problem, it can be uncomfortable for some women. There are some natural methods and relaxing suggestions to relieve the pain:

  1. Supportive Bra Use: Wearing supportive and comfortable bras can help reduce sensitivity in breast tissue.
  2. Warm or Cold Compress: A warm water bag or cold compress can relieve pain. However, excessive heat applications should be avoided.
  3. More Rest: Providing extra rest time to the body during pregnancy generally supports relaxation and pain relief.
  4. Reducing Caffeine Consumption: Excessive caffeine can increase breast sensitivity, so limiting caffeine intake can be beneficial.
  5. Light Exercises: Slow-paced walks or gentle stretching exercises promote overall relaxation and can reduce pain.
When to See a Doctor?

Mastodynia during pregnancy is usually normal, but you should consult a doctor if any of the following occur:

  • Pain becomes unbearable: Severe pain may indicate an abnormal condition.
  • Abnormal changes in the nipple: If there is bleeding, discharge, or irregularities from the nipple, a doctor's evaluation may be necessary.

Pain accompanied by other symptoms: If you have pain in your breast along with fever, redness, or swelling, there may be a risk of infection.

Prepared by A Life Medical Editorial Board.

Last Updated: 6 Kasım 2025 14:05

Publish Date: 24 Nisan 2024 17:43

What Is Mastodynia?

Quick Application Form

Please fill in the fields below so that we can reach you

Related Departments
Related Doctors
Similar Contents

Do you need help?

We are here for all your questions and problems 24/7.